software

So i recently got a fairly descent recording program on my computer (SONAR)

Problem is, I dont have a mic or really anything i could use to record with... As of now, i dont really have the funds to buy a mixer or anything... I figured that i could just get a descent mic just to get me going and do some low level recording.

Im planning to just plug a mic straight into my computer, but does it really matter what kind? I looked at the plugs for a couple mics, and they seem like they would be able to plug in to the back of my computer.Do i need some sort of quot;computer micquot; or would a normal mic with the right connection work?thanks

-stevie

What are you going to be recording with this mic? Guitar, vocals, pipe organ, kazoo ... ?

Also, what sort of quality are you expecting out of this setup? SONAR is a pretty powerful program, so with the right gear you should be able to get some excellent results. Budget is a factor though. Are you just recording for fun, to learn, or are you intent on making demos or albums?

For recording guitars, the Shure SM57 microphone is the common workhorse (you could get an AKG D770 for cheaper and it does pretty much the same thing).

You'll need some sort of mixer or pre-amp to get a decent sound of the microphone also.

1 on the Sure for good quality... but running straight into the PC usually yields some midrange RF because the motherboard soundcards are usually not setup to handle the full sonci spectrum demanded when recording... those are meant more for PC mics to use with voice chatting, etc....

You can pick up inexpensive audio interfaces and mixers that will ease the recording process while you learn the ropes... then you can upgrade later!

For instance, the E-MU 0404 is $99 and a Behringer mixer can cost as little as $40 with mic pre-amps... not the best quality, but the results will be pretty good....

Hope this helps,
Allen

wow that did help!i do want to record guitars and maybe vocals... i have the program now but i dont have the money to get a mixer and mic right away Maybe in a couple months... I just want to some low quality stuff to keep me busy and get used to the program and recording in general, and when i get the funds, buy some equipment for more serious stuff...
I think its best just to save up a bit rather than just jumpin right into it cuz i dont really have a reason to record now except that im bored and haven othing better to do... thanks for the help!!!-stevie

sonar is a great program and the others are correct u need a good external a to d for suficeint SN ratio- consider any of low cost dual preamp mixers and consider a few digital and line ins for other purposes-

but back to mics, you really 3 basic mics in any mic locker
1. dynamic- sm57 suggested above is one of many good reliable mics in around $100 range- they can handle relatively high inputs and are great for amps, drums and other high pressure applications-

2. large diaghram condenser-
You need a condenser to get good freq response and a large diaghram is great at picking up the wide range of dynamics for vocals, or room mics for acc gtr or other broadspectrum instruments- AKG414 models remain my favorites after all of these years, but there are lower cost althernatives like akgs c3000

3. small diag condensor-
This is the least used but when you need it you really need it- for example a close bridge or neck mic needs the frequency response of the condensor, but a large diaghram would be noisy. other uses are spots on cymbols-
lots of people go for akgs c1000s and they are cheap, but go ahead and spend a couple hundred and you can get much better quality- I think sures sm87 falls in this camp but it's been a long time since I've looked this over-

jump over to alt.rec news group and you can find lots of opinons on these 3 basic mic types

Probably any mic will get you started. When I first started PC recording I used a mic from my daughters karoke machine and got a decent enough sound. I soon after upgraded to a mic I purchased at radio shack for $50 that is supposed to be similar to a sure sm57. That was quite a bit better. You will probably have to get an adapter that converts the male 1/4quot; plug on the mic to a male 1/8quot; plug in order to input into your sound card's mic in. At the time I was using a soundblaster audigy sound card.

Now I use a turtle beach card and just run out of the line out of my amp into the line in of the turtle beach card. IMO i get better results than micing it this way.

Probably any mic will get you started. When I first started PC recording I used a mic from my daughters karoke machine and got a decent enough sound. I soon after upgraded to a mic I purchased at radio shack for $50 that is supposed to be similar to a sure sm57. That was quite a bit better. You will probably have to get an adapter that converts the male 1/4quot; plug on the mic to a male 1/8quot; plug in order to input into your sound card's mic in. At the time I was using a soundblaster audigy sound card.

Now I use a turtle beach card and just run out of the line out of my amp into the line in of the turtle beach card. IMO i get better results than micing it this way.
Very cool. Yeah, i might just buy a cheap mic just to fiddle with until i get the funds to purchase a descent mixer. You can pick up inexpensive audio interfaces and mixers that will ease the recording process while you learn the ropes... then you can upgrade later!

For instance, the E-MU 0404 is $99 and a Behringer mixer can cost as little as $40 with mic pre-amps... not the best quality, but the results will be pretty good....Would i be able to plug in a cheap mixer like that into my computer? Ive seen some cheap, but i dont kno if they have a usb port or anything that i could use to mate with the computer...

Thanks for all your help guys!!!-steveeee

zionstrat hit the nail on the head.

woooooo! for low blood sugar.